Residents of the greater Sigatoka area are being urged by local police to report any information related to an alleged attempted abduction that has raised concerns in the community. This situation gained attention following a social media post claiming that strangers had attempted to entice children at both a local school and in town on two separate occasions over the past two weeks.
In response to these claims, the Fiji Police Force (FPF) has initiated a thorough investigation. The Sigatoka Police have collaborated with the Sigatoka Town Council to review all available CCTV camera footage within the town limits. Meanwhile, the FPF’s Cybercrime team is actively working to gather further details pertaining to the incident, despite no official report having been submitted.
The police have appealed to anyone with relevant information to come forward. Individuals can contact the authorities directly or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 919 or the Western Division Command Centre at 9905 457.
Olosara Korotogo Advisory Councilor Arvin Mestry expressed his dismay over the reports and urged parents to remain vigilant. “This is sad. I call on parents to continue to speak to their children not to be lured by a stranger to hop in their cars. They need to continue to be vigilant,” he stated.
This current situation echoes previous alarms raised regarding child safety in Fiji. Notably, earlier incidents, such as an attempted abduction of a 12-year-old girl in Suva, have led to widespread concerns about child safety and vulnerabilities in public spaces. Community members have been called upon to nurture an environment of vigilance, emphasizing the collective responsibility to safeguard young people.
While the alarming nature of these reports is concerning, they also present an opportunity for community engagement and awareness. Increased dialogue between families, educational institutions, and law enforcement can foster a culture of safety, where children can feel secure and protected in their neighborhoods. By working together, families can create a supportive atmosphere where children are educated about potential dangers, empowering them to make safe choices.
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